The equipment debate (for any sport) is an endless circle waiting for suckers.
I personally think that sailing is a fringe "sport" anyway, just like bobsledding. Yes, you need to be able to hike/trap and sheet in (push off/steer a bobsled), but do the best "athletes" really win? Sailing to win has more to do with experience, strategy and tactics.
Not calling any of that a bad thing, but I really have a hard time calling what we do a "sport for athletes" when the winners of major regattas are often over 30 (sometimes 40 or 50) and they are beating "kids" in their 20s who are in far better shape (at least physically).
If anyone really cared to make any sport ONLY about the athletes, all equipment would be SMOD, including skates, bobsleds, wetsuits, ski goggles, etc.
Just my two cents. I'm quite sure it'll not be popular...
Mike
You've obviously never crewed on a Tornado. You need a young strong athlete in the front to make that boat go.
